Leaf-Footed Bug Bite – Symptoms & Treatment

Leaf-footed bugs (Family Coreidae) are named after the shape of their leaf-like extension they have on their back legs – they are large insects (2-4 cm) that can bite. Stink bugs and their closest cousins, the Leaf-footed bugs are common pests on many fruits and vegetables and are usually found in the Southeast region.

What makes these bugs distinct is their leaf-like legs. Young Leaf-footed bugs are a bright red color with long and spider-like black legs.

Leaf-footed bugs have a rough sandpaper like feel and are often referred to as stink bugs (see article: How to kill a Stink Bug) due to the foul odor they produce.

During their young stages, they are known as nymphs and are soft-bodied, spindly and have a bright red-orange color. When they are young, they tend to stay together as a family group.

Adult Leaf Footed Bugs are a bit larger than their cousins the stink bugs and have longer bodies that are a dark brown with a white line across the center and are easy to recognize.

But what distinguishes these bugs is the skunk-like smell they release when bothered.

What are Leaf-footed Bugs?

Leaf-Footed Bugs are named after the shape of their leaf-like protection they have on their back legs and are large insects. Stink bugs and their closest cousins, the Leaf-footed bugs are common pests on many fruits and vegetables and are usually found in the Southeast region.

What makes these bugs distinct is their leaf-like legs. Young Leaf-footed bugs are a bright red color with long and spider-like black legs.

Leaf-footed bugs have a rough sandpaper like feel and are often referred to as stink bugs due to the foul odor they produce. During their young stages, they are known as nymphs, which are soft-bodied, spindly and have a bright red-orange color.

When they are young, they tend to stay together as a family group.

Adult Leaf-footed bugs are a bit larger than their cousins the stink bugs. They have longer bodies that are a dark brown with a white line across the center – easy to recognize.

But what distinguishes these bugs is the skunk-like smell they release when bothered.

Do Leaf-footed Bugs bite?

A leaf-footed bug bite is as alarming as its stink spray. People who have experienced a bite from these bugs have a small red sore in their skin where they were bitten.

The pain can be immense and is much compared to a bee sting. The pain can last for several days.

Nonetheless, some people are allergic to the odor compounds that this bug releases. Some common symptoms include dermatitis and a runny nose.

Leaf-footed Bug Bite Treatment

Here are some alternatives for Leaf Footed treatment:

Leaf-footed Bug bite might cause some swelling and itchiness. One way to help cure a bite is to use lavender essential oil. You just apply the oil in the affected area for the skin to absorb it.

Baking soda is also very popular for treating bug bites. You just mix baking soda with a little water and apply the mixture to the bitten area for 15-20 minutes. You can also mix vinegar instead of water with the baking soda. Because the bite is acidic, the baking soda help counterbalance and give relief.

Get rid of the swelling and irritation by applying some banana skin.

Add some epsom salt with some warm water to treat leaf-footed bug bite if it’s itchy.

Calamine lotion is also great for treating a leaf-footed bug bite if you feel a burning or itchy feeling by giving it a cool sensation.

You can also treat leaf-footed bug bites by crushing two or three aspirin pills and adding a little water. This will help with swelling and pain.